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85% of recurring drain issues stem from undetected blockages - problems that often go unnoticed until they turn into costly repairs. This is because most drain issues aren’t visible from the surface.
So, to identify where the problem lies and what the problem is,drain cleaning professionals use video camera inspectiondrain cleaning professionals. Instead of guessing what’s clogging your drains, professionals for drain cleaning use a high-resolution video camera to get a clear and real-time view of what’s going on inside the pipes.
These are advanced cameras that help catch pipes and drain issues early - so that you can avoid any costly repairs in the future. If you’re wondering what video camera inspection for drains is and how it works, this blog is for you!
What Is Video Camera Drain Inspection?
A video camera drain inspection is a non-invasive method used to diagnose plumbing issues with pinpoint accuracy. It involves inserting a high-resolution, waterproof camera into the drain to capture real-time footage of the pipe’s interior.
These cameras often feature LED lights for clear visibility and flexible cables that allow them to move through tight turns. There are three main types of cameras used -
- Lateral Launch Camera (for branching pipelines)
- Push Camera (ideal for smaller residential pipes)
- Robotic Crawlers (perfect for large or industrial pipes)
Video camera inspection makes it easy to spot clogs, cracks, or damage without digging!
Why Use Video Camera Inspection?
Here’s why plumbers today use video cameras for drain diagnosis -
- Saves time and money by pinpointing problematic areas quickly
- Detects hidden issues early, such as small cracks or root intrusion
- Offers real-time visual evidence of drain issues - helping you understand the cause
Reduces the need for unnecessary digging or costly repair and identifies blockages, cracks, and leaks - without guesswork.
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Common Drain Issues Detected By Camera Inspection
Here are some common drain issues detected by camera inspection -
- Blockages And Clogs
Clogs are the most common reason why you have slow or backed-up drainages. In residential spaces, grease, soap scum, and hair can accumulate and cause stubborn blockages. Drainage issues in commercial spaces can be worse with industrial debris, sludge, or grease buildup.
While surface-level treatment may provide temporary relief, video camera inspection allows a more in-depth diagnosis by pinpointing the exact location and cause of the clog.
- Pipe Damage
Over time, drain pipes can develop cracks, fractures, or corrosion, especially in older homes. Misaligned joints or separated pipe sections can also occur, allowing leaks to form and water to escape. These issues often go unnoticed until they cause water damage or reduce drainage efficiency.
In this case, a video inspection can help visually confirm the extent of the damage and locate the precise area needing repair. This makes the diagnostic process faster, more accurate, and far less invasive.
- Tree Root Intrusion
If you have trees near your property, chances are their roots might sneak into your drainage system. This is because they need a water source to survive, and what’s better than a drainage system? Once they find a tiny crack in your pipe, they push through, expanding over time and causing severe blockages or even pipe fractures.
With a video camera inspection, plumbers can see where the roots have extended, the extent of damage it has caused, and where else they have entered. This allows for precise repairs, such as root removal or trenchless pipe lining, preventing further damage without unnecessary digging.
- Collapsed Or Deteriorated Pipes
As pipes age, they become more prone to deterioration, sagging, and complete collapse. This is especially common in older clay or cast-iron pipes. When this happens, you might experience frequent backups or slow drainage.
A camera inspection helps detect partial or complete blockages caused by collapsed sections. By identifying the exact location of the problem, a plumber can recommend targeted solutions, such as pipe relining or replacement, to prevent further damage and restore proper drainage.
- Foreign Object Obstruction
It’s surprisingly easy for non-biodegradable objects to end up in your drains. Wipes, cotton swabs, small toys (which are very unlikely), or accidental debris may get lodged in the pipes, creating blockages. Unlike soap scum and grease, they don’t break. Hence, they need video camera inspection to understand the extent of blockage.
With its help, plumbers can determine the size and location, making removal faster and more effective. This avoids unnecessary pipe damage caused by repeated snaking or chemical treatments.
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Video Camera Inspection Process For Drain Diagnosis
The video camera drain inspection process includes the following -
- Pre-Inspection Cleaning
Before starting with the diagnosis process, plumbers prep the drain to get a clear picture. This usually involves flushing the drain or using a light cleaning tool to remove minor debris, such as - soap, scum, hair, food particles, etc. If the drain is heavily clogged, they might perform a basic cleaning first.
- Camera Insertion
After the drain is prepped, the plumber will insert a waterproof camera attached to a long and durable cable. It is usually inserted through a main drain, cleanout, or vent stack - depending on the system’s layout. The speed of the camera and angle are then adjusted to get a comprehensive view. For larger pipes, they may use robotic crawlers to inspect lateral connections.
- Monitoring And Reporting
As the camera goes through the drain, it captures the live footage, which reveals common issues like grease buildup, cracks, collapsed sections, or invasive tree roots. Some systems include locators or sonar equipment, allowing the plumbers to mark the exact spot of a blockage or damaged pipe.
- Diagnosis And Reporting
After the inspection, the plumber compiles a report based on the footage. This usually includes - images, video clips, and a written summary of the pipe’s condition. The report will also outline specific repair or maintenance recommendations.
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Takeaway
Video camera inspection takes no more than 2-3 hours. The advanced and waterproof camera helps identify potential hidden issues that bare eyes cannot see. It allows the plumbers to diagnose the issue and resolve it effectively and correctly - once and for all!
Schedule Your Video Camera Inspection With Preferred Plumbing And Drain!
At Preferred Plumbing And Drain, we are dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient plumbing services with the use of advanced technology such as - video camera inspection. Thus helping you make the right decision.
For any plumbing issues and clogged drain repair in San Jose, Book Your Appointment now!
